Vintage Carved Abalone Mother-of-Pearl Heart Pendant

This is a vintage heart-shaped pendant featuring a distinctive multi-layered or 'nested' design carved from shell materials. The outer frame is composed of a smooth, creamy white mother-of-pearl with a flat, beveled finish. Seated within this frame is a smaller, recessed heart carved from abalone shell, characterized by its intense iridescent qualities featuring swirls of green, pink, purple, and blue. The central abalone section displays a rippled, concentric texture that suggests organic growth or intentional hand-carving to highlight the inner nacre layers. The construction utilizes an integrated metal loop at the top, which appears to be made of a patinated base metal or bronze-toned alloy, currently showing signs of oxidation and a small gap in the jump ring. In terms of condition, the item shows significant age-related wear, including surface dulling, minor edge chipping on the shell, and a light yellowish patina. There are no visible maker's marks or hallmarks, which is typical for mid-20th-century artisan or souvenir shell jewelry. The craftsmanship suggests a folk art or mid-century coastal aesthetic, likely dating from the 1950s to the 1970s. Its unique appeal lies in the contrasting textures between the smooth outer rim and the jagged, prismatic core.